GNAT condemns WASS Headmistress’ Interdiction and blames Ghana Education Service
Dr Eric Nkansah
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has strongly criticized the interdiction of the headmistress of West Africa Senior High School (WASS) for allegedly collecting money from students without authorization.
In a statement, GNAT described the Ghana Education Service’s (GES) decision to indict the headmistress as sinister, suggesting it is an attempt to divert attention from its own shortcomings and unfairly blame innocent and vulnerable teachers.
According to GNAT, the GES is failing to address the numerous challenges affecting the smooth operation of public basic and secondary schools. Instead, it consistently resorts to blaming school heads and teachers, which tarnishes their reputations and credibility. GNAT called on the GES to first address its internal issues before unjustly targeting school heads in a blame game.
Referring to a similar incident involving the head of Fijai Senior High School, GNAT pointed out that false accusations of extortion were made against the headmistress, and only later was she exonerated by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).
The damage to her reputation had already been done, leaving her in an uncomfortable position before her students, family, and society. Now, GNAT expressed concern for the interdicted headmistress of WASS, Dr. (Mrs) Shine Agatha Ofori, and questioned whether these individuals would be properly restituted if found innocent.
In the statement, GNAT shed light on the predicament faced by some school heads who often have to pre-finance the operation of their schools due to government delays in reimbursements. Despite their best intentions, they find themselves unfairly targeted by the GES.
As a result, GNAT advised all school heads, teachers, and its members not to use their own resources for school expenses going forward, as doing so might be misinterpreted and lead to shame, suspension, or interdiction, as seen in Dr. (Mrs) Shine Agatha Ofori’s case and her colleagues.
GNAT urged the GES and all relevant parties to provide clarity on the matter and ensure that justice prevails for the accused individuals. The association emphasized the need for a fair and just system that protects the rights and reputations of educators in Ghana.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com
